The Nutritional Benefits of IQF Vegetables
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The Nutritional Benefits of IQF Vegetables
Did you know that individually quick frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh produce?
This is thanks to a process known as individual quick freezing or IQF. In this method, vegetables are quickly frozen at extremely low temperatures, sealing in vital nutrients and flavour. In fact, some studies have even shown that IQF vegetables can have higher levels of certain nutrients than fresh vegetables that have been stored for extended periods of time.
Frozen vegetables and other frozen produce also help to tackle food waste. In the UK alone, it is estimated that 9.5 million tonnes of food goes to waste each year. A lot of this waste occurs because fresh food expires before we have a chance to eat them. However, by freezing vegetables at peak ripeness, you can help to extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. Frozen vegetables, frozen fruits and other frozen foods are also typically cheaper for the consumer than fresh vegetables.
At Uren, we supply the highest quality frozen vegetables, frozen at the peak of their freshness to preserve vital nutrients and flavour.
Our IQF vegetables are perfect for use in a wide variety of recipes, from healthy smoothies and soups to delicious stir-fries and more. To learn more about our IQF vegetables and how to incorporate them into your diet, read on.
What does IQF mean?
IQF technology is a freezing method that involves individually quick-freezing small pieces of food.
This method is used to preserve the flavour, texture, and nutrients of fresh produce better than other methods of freezing. There are two main methods of IQf freezing:
A mechanical IQF freezer works with a system that flows cold air from underneath the bedplate or transportation belt. Fans are used to force the cold air up through the product. The vegetables are frozen as they pass through the blast chiller.
The colder air flows through the products in circular motions as they move through the freezer toward the exit end. This type of technology has seen many improvements over time, with manufacturers now able to freeze products more quickly and with less damage.
A cryogenic IQF freezer uses liquid nitrogen to flash-freeze the vegetables. At very low temperatures, the products are immersed in liquid nitrogen while being moved continuously to ensure they remain separated. This method is quick and efficient, but the use of nitrogen can mean it is more costly.
The health benefits of consuming IQF vegetables
Frozen vegetables have a reputation for being unhealthy, but in reality, they can be an excellent addition to any balanced diet. IQF vegetables are frozen at their peak freshness and retain more of their nutrients than if they were canned or left to sit on store shelves.
In fact, some studies have shown that frozen vegetables can even have higher levels of certain nutrients such as vitamin C and polyphenols. IQF vegetables also offer convenience - they can be kept in your freezer for long periods of time and then quickly cooked with minimal prep work. So next time you're considering what fruits and vegetables to include in your products, don't forget about the nutritious options that IQF has to offer.
When it comes to nutrition, frozen vegetables are a great way to reach the daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals. Frozen broccoli, for example, is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains folate, fibre, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, vision, and cardiovascular health.
Frozen spinach is another nutrient-rich option. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, folic acid, and calcium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, strong bones and teeth, and proper blood clotting.
Ideas for incorporating IQF vegetables into your products
There are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating IQF vegetables into your products. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Add IQF broccoli to healthy soups and stews.
- Use IQF spinach in place of fresh greens in recipes like lasagna, quiche, and spanakopita.
- Make a nutritious smoothie with IQF fruit and vegetables.
- Create a stir-fry with IQF vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers.
- Add IQF corn or peas to mashed potatoes for extra flavour and nutrition.
Frozen vegetables are a great way to add more nutrients and vitamins to your products. They are also extremely versatile, so you can use them in a variety of dishes. If you're looking for ways to incorporate more IQF vegetables into your diet, be sure to check out our recipes section. And if you have any questions about our products or services, don't hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to help you get the most out of our IQF vegetables!
Speak to an Expert
Adding frozen vegetables to your products is a great way to boost their nutritional value without sacrificing taste or quality. Uren can provide you with the IQF vegetables you need to create healthy and delicious products that your customers will love.
At Uren Food Group, we are committed to providing high-quality sustainable food options for our customers. We believe in providing transparency in our supply chain and strive to protect the environment through responsible harvesting practices. If you want to learn more about our products and services, visit our website or give us a call. Together, we can make a difference by choosing sustainable food options. Thank you for considering Uren Food Group as your trusted provider of sustainable foods.
